Renting a Campervan in Iceland? In doing so, he cast his old deities into the waterfall, giving it its new name Goafoss orWaterfall of the Gods.. 2-Hour ATV Riding Trip with Pickup from Reykjavik Viking Horse Riding and Golden Circle Tour from Icelandic Horseback Riding Including Pick Up from #35 of 304 Outdoor Activities in Reykjavik. Choose between 24-hour, 48-hour, or 72-hour options, and enjoy some of the finest cultural institutions in town, from the zoo and the bird-filled Videy Island to the citys many museums. A crowd favorite that's becoming more popular with tourists by the minute, this 3,000-year-old volcanic crater lake sits on the southern side of the island on the coveted Golden Circle route (heads up, you'll be hearing a lot about the Golden Circle in this piece). While neverending, jaw-dropping views are all but guaranteed no matter which tour you pick, for something truly special, join an adventure that chases the midnight sun. Whale Watching. The best time to spot whales is from May to September. A highly impressive natural attraction, the Svartifoss waterfall better known as the intimidating Black Falls sits atop hexagonal basalt columns that have been cut through beautiful lava rocks formed during volcanic eruptions thousands of years ago. Sure, hiking is great but how about flying? With pre-recorded audio in 7 languages to help tourists understand the history and significance of every stop, its the perfect introduction to the Land of Fire and Ice. The breed possesses two rare gaits in addition to the "regular" ones, the smooth tlt and fast-flying pace. Iceland has a few different ski resorts around the country, but theyre mostly reserved for locals. From the top, you're lowered down 213m (699ft) into an enormous and unbelievably colorful magma chamber. Here are the top experiences in Iceland Sam Spicer / Getty Images, The 14 best things to do in Iceland in 2023. Visiting here is one of the best free things to do in Iceland. As a nation synonymous with natural beauty, Iceland has no shortage of impressive geysers. Caf Saxa. Seeing the northern lights in on many travelers bucket list. Hallgrimskirkja 22,817 Churches & Cathedrals Miborg By Africancrab The church soars over the Icelandic capital Reykjavik, its scale is also heightened by the vertical rows of descending 2022 2. Located in Hamragarar in South Iceland, Gljfrabi is a true hidden gem of a waterfall, obstructed from the main tourist trail and only viewable with a dedicated hike. This is a beautiful waterfall you can walk behind along the Ring Road in Southern . The small peninsula straddles the far eastern side of Iceland, and while popular among all travelers, is a particular delight for photographers. They arent just for locals, though; foreigners are welcome too. So why not kill two birds with one stone, saving a few bucks by sleeping in a campervan while experiencing the unobstructed, unforgettable night sky from one of the nations three National Parks. Its part of Europe, though its not connected to the mainland. The distinctly shaped peak sits on the north coast of Icelands Snfellsnes peninsula, a stones throw from the nearby town of Grundarfjrur. 17 reviews. TourScanner is the worlds largest website to search for tours & travel activities. Many visitors will venture right out from Reykjavik, but one of the best places to spot whales is off the coast of Northern Iceland. Dettifoss Waterfall. Dyrholaey. Guests brave enough can walk out onto these sea cliffs and watch for seals swimming up close; stay at the nearby beach; go hunting for geysers, or walk along the black sand in search of the sparkling silica-rich rocks. Its common knowledge that these natural fountains are best viewed on Golden Circle tours, where transport is conveniently arranged from Reykjavik. Here are Europes best hot springs. Why just eat the local staples when you can discover how to whip them together for yourself? Whether youre looking to get to know Icelands capital a little better or want to get out of the city and float along the Forgotten Fjord, any summer day spent stand-up paddleboarding is a day well spent. After multi-day excursions and plenty of hiking, you must be hungry, right? Watch the Netflix documentary Under An Arctic Sky. Iceland car rental insurance vs credit card insurance 11:47 am. Many people dont know that you can go scuba diving between two continents. If you love chasing waterfalls, one of the best things you can do in Iceland is grab acamera and stop at everyone you see to snap a photo. Perhaps for kids and adults alike, and operated under the supervision of a local instructor, paddleboarding excursions are safe and slow-paced, providing a different perspective (visually as well as experientially) on the beauty of the island. The craft beer scene is fairly new in Iceland; the first microbrewery, Bruggsmijan, was founded in the tiny village of rskgssandur in North Iceland in 2006. Outside Reykjavk, Eggin Gleivk by Sigurur Gumundsson represents the eggs of 34 species of birds that nest around Djpivogur. Right across the street fromJkulsrln Glacier Lagoon is Diamond Beach, so be sure not to miss it. Yes, this place is no secret, and many people come here every day to photograph Kirkjufellsfoss with Mount Kirkjufell in the background. Home Destinations Europe Scandinavia Iceland 35 Best Things To Do In Iceland. 4 wineries, Comprehensive Ribera Del Duero WineTour, with lunch included. The Church of Santa Trofimena is a true gem of the town and one of the many places steeped in history in this small town. Waterfalls. There is hardly a country in the world that packs as many jaw-dropping landscapes in such a short amount of time. The gateway to hell has erupted up to thirty times in recent history, but is still, fortunately, considered safe to visit. In my opinion, these hikes are well worth a day; however, the climb up Esjan is a favorite. Wow, thats a really comprehensive and awesome list of things to do in Iceland. 6. Featuring sports events, natural phenomena and more, these are 20 amazing trips to consider taking in 2023. It does make for a cool layover. Gullfoss Waterfall 12,232 Waterfalls By Jet777337 Hekla, Iceland's most active volcano, was believed to be the entrance to hell, but it has been quiet since 2000. In Akureyri (located in the northern part of the country), you can enjoy convenience and contemporary vibes at Centrum Hotel, which features a lounge and ski storage (perfect for winter travelers! Departing from the main tourist areas, shorter tours tackle Reykjavik Peak; add on a couple of hours to conquer the Twin Peaks, or make an entire day of it with a trip around South Coast (including the famous Black Beach). Note: Iceland has some strict hot spring etiquette. Dont fret if you havent got your own car; plenty of transport options are available from Reykjavik. Ice Cave Tour from Jkulsrln Iceland. but also offers guests the opportunity to explore all the dazzling Icelandic landscapes with a 360-degree observation deck. Walkways venture behind the waterfall but visitor beware: youll get wet, so pack a raincoat! A dedicated preservation area found within the bounds of the aforementioned Vatnajkull National Park, Skaftafell is teeming with flora and fauna and delivers strikingly contrasting colors in every direction. A campervan can minimize your accommodation expenses; it pays off for our trip. Regardless of whether you choose a tour thats limited to driving, or one that includes a hike, its easily one of the most adventurous things to do in Iceland. The white stone landmark, thanks to a detailed projection of lights, dazzles tourists with regular evening light shows. Its not just around the capital, though. She is an expert in travel, budgeting, and finding unique experiences. Widely renowned as the most captivating waterfall on the entire main island, the 44-meter drop of Dettifoss is an awe-inspiring sight in every sense of the word. 853 reviews. Discover 135 hidden attractions, cool sights, and unusual things to do in Iceland from Blue Lagoon to Bridge Between Continents. The first part of the hike, Waterfall Way, near Skgafoss. These are the 14 best things to do in Iceland in 2023. If youre on a budget, you should give the Blue Lagoon a skip and head to one of Icelands many public geothermal pools. Top Attractions in Iceland See all 2022 1. One of the most beautiful black sand beaches in the world, Reynisfjara Beach has been voted time and time again as a top-notch coastal landscape one sure to make all your friends at home jealous. 9. . In the wintertime, Iceland becomes a ski or snowboarding fanatics playground. While shorter cruises last just a couple of hours, multi-day adventures are available too. This is one of my top travel tips for Iceland. If you'd rather explore Iceland on a bike, popular trails include the geothermal valley Reykjadalur by Hverageri and the emerald green landscape around Kirkjubjaklaustur, where Iceland Bike Farm is based. In Geldingadalir, on the doorstep of Keflavk International Airport, a small-scale eruption has attracted onlookers with its magnificent (yet intermittent) lava flow since March 19, 2021. Okay so what? You should always shower with soap before taking a dip. Golden Circle Tour by Minibus Including Icelandic #31 of 304 Outdoor Activities in Reykjavik. One of these houses is the centerpiece of the museum Eldheimar. With regular eruptions from fifteen to twenty meters high every five or ten minutes, reaching heights over forty meters, its simply not to be missed. The Icelandic restaurant scene has come a long way in the past decades. Avoid Buying Bottled Water in Stores The tap water in Iceland is among the purest in the world. Bursting into action and spewing fresh lava, this fiery fountain attracts hundreds of snap-happy travelers daily despite warnings about possible danger due to toxic emissions. Lake Mvatn, Hsavk,sbyrgi Canyon, andDettifoss Waterfall are the main stops, but you can also add Goafoss Waterfall,Dark Castles, and Eider Falls to the route. Theres also a cafe, gift shop, and restroom nearby. I dont want to show you the whole thing so you can be surprised when you get there. What better activity to check off your Iceland bucket list than volcano spelunking? Visit the Golden Circle and Thingvellir National Park 10. The Great Geysir, after which all others around the world got their name, has been inactive for a while now, so the nearby Strokkur takes up its mantle as top dog. You either love or hate The Blue Lagoon. The cave sits in a lava field close to Blfjll, just a 25-minute drive from the main spots in Reykjavk, and is frequented by plenty of tour groups. While hiking adventures up Landmannalaugar typically take about 4 hours, guests can also opt to spice up their tour and make it a multi-day adventure with a trip to the Hekla Volcano. Fewer tourists pay attention to Vatnsberinn (The Water Carrier) by smundur Sveinsson in the heart of downtown or tlaginn (The Outlaw) by Einar Jnsson on the corner of Suurgata and Hringbraut works by two of Iceland's most famous sculptors. The Mvatn Nature Baths are a stunning set of geothermally heated pools and steam baths, found in the colorful, volcanic Lake Myvatn area. Table of Contents. Plus, you can have some utterly unique adventures, like walking (or diving) between two continents! . Due to the few chemicals, its the public law to shower nude before entering the pool; showers are divided by sex. Northern Lights 5. Whats better than telling your friends back home you went ice climbing in Iceland? Attention, foodies! You need to take a short drive down a bad gravel road to reach the pool and then hike for 20 minutes. The Settlement Exhibition, known in Icelandic as Landnmssningin, is a modern interactive museum built upon the ruins of an old Viking house. A true hidden gem home to a wildlife-filled lake and the 360-meter-long lava tube known as the Gjbakkahellir cave, Thingvellir National Park is often considered the underwater wonderland of the Golden Circle, where tourists can snorkel or dive between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. Located just 35 km from Reykjavk, with walkways carefully outlined to avoid the hazardous terrain, it makes for both a convenient and safe day trip. LIKELY TO SELL OUT* Ice Exploration Tour from Jkulsrln. Hot tip: A puffy jacket will keep you warm, but as the locals will attest, layering is the key. Suppose you want some amazing Iceland cuisine, head to Reykjavik for a great date night out. Outside of Reykjavk, Nielsen Restaurant in Egilsstair deserves a special mention for its loyalty to East Icelandic food producers highlighting local fish, meat, vegetables, grain and dairy and game, including reindeer. Waterfalls. This double-decker bus provides a tour to Reykjavks popular landmarks from Skarfabakki Harbor to the Whale Watching Center and everywhere in between with no shortage of natural Icelandic beauty along the way. Dettifoss is said to be the most powerful waterfall in Europe. Seal-watching tours depart from Hvammstangi. Its an awe-inspiring sight as the water rolls off the 122-meter sheer cliff to the Fossa River below. Golden Circle Day Tour in Mini Bus from Reykjavik Full-Day Small Group Tour of Iceland's South #45 of 304 Outdoor Activities in Reykjavik, Golden Circle. Led by a knowledgeable and friendly local, a guided small-group walking tour is a great way to learn all about the people, attractions, and way of life not to mention Reykjavks strong Viking influence in the worlds most northernmost capital city. At dormant rhnkaggur, you can explore a volcano from the inside. You can step inside a replica longhouse at Eirksstairin West Iceland or don VR goggles at 1238 The Battle of Iceland to get an immersive experience of one of Iceland's most fearsome battles. It took me 51 minutes, including time for pictures. If youd prefer to stick to Iceland, you can always arrange some multi-day trips. Considered the guardian of Northwestern Iceland, the underrated Hvtserkur rock stack stands 15 meters high and can be seen from miles away when you see it up close, its sheer size really is overwhelming. The capital of the North and second-largest city, Akureyri, makes for a great base to explore the Northern Coastline. Alongside a passionate (and local) guide, travelers will be treated to some of the areas best restaurants, cafes, and street markets, discovering a range of new flavors at every step. While a little pricey and sometimes a little crowded, its simply one of the non-negotiable things to do in Iceland based on beauty alone. Perlan. Landaviti Lighthouse #5 of 7 things to do in Stodvarfjordur. If you are camping, a pool will also allow you to shower and relax the back. Using immersive multimedia technology to bring the Northern Lights experience to you (in the comfort of an indoor facility), the Aurora Museum educates about the Lights scientific history, their interpretation as omens from ancient times until now, and plenty more. Puffin watching is one of the best things you can do in Iceland in July! Her advice about international travel, outdoor sports, and African safari has been featured on Lonely Planet, Business Insider, and Readers Digest. Relax in the Blue Lagoon Spa 7. Do you have a favorite? If aerial views are what youre after, helicopter trips in Iceland are a dime a dozen, ranging from one-hour turnarounds to full days of sky-high adventures. Combined with a collection of mythical traditions and fascinating tales of elves and trolls, its an ideal option to get that first taste of Icelandic culture and history and stretch the legs after a long flight. If you want to feel humbled, just stand near the waterfalls base. Wed be here till the cows came home if we listed every noteworthy attraction on Icelands South Coast for a sneak peek, the rugged landscape boasts cascading waterfalls, hikeable volcanoes, glacial hiking, whale-infested waters, black sand beaches, and lava fields. The glacier volcano (thats right, fire and ice) of Eyjafjallajkull is notorious all over the world over, standing at a whopping 1651 meters (about 5427 feet) tall. With literally hundreds of aurora tour options from 2-hour quick trips to combination itineraries to multi-night stays in tranquil cabins under the stars choosing one should be at the top of your list of things to do in Iceland. Kirkjufell, the Snfellsjkull Volcano dominating the skyline, and plenty more. You can easily access the falls from a large parking lot with a pathway and steps that allow visitors to walk along the edge of the mighty waterfall. Have a Night Out in Reykjavik 9. We have reviews of the best places to see in Castlerock. There is a viewing platform to take in the whole landscape, but its also possible to walk around and have fun around the vents. Silfra Drysuit Snorkeling - Meet on Location Silfra Wetsuit Snorkeling - Meet on location #27 of 304 Outdoor Activities in Reykjavik, Northern Lights Midnight Adventure from Reykjavk. But how do you plan a trip to see a natural phenomenon? This article was first published October 2021 and updated March 2023. A mesmerizing area of Iceland, the Reynisdrangar formations are overflowing with impressive rock cliffs, all naturally created over time from eroding basalt. Top Attractions in Iceland See all 2022 1. Here's the best. You can spend your days hiking through the valley and basalt rock columns, or you could take a break to explore its blushing blue glacier river in Jkuldalur Valley. A mountain ridge sandwiched between two enormous glaciers, the Hidden Valley of Thor Thorsmork exudes a natural beauty that simply needs to be seen to be believed. Here Are 30 MUST READ Tips, What to Pack for Iceland Ultimate Iceland Packing List, 30 Iceland Hot Springs to Visit Instead of the Blue Lagoon. If you arent up for hiking in Iceland along the glacier, this is an exciting experience that gets you closer and personal to the incredible glaciers. But if you want to have a truly memorable adventure, try going deeper literally with some scuba diving. If you have a car, you can get to these places yourself or hop on a tour and sail just outside the capital to see them in Akurey, Engey, or Lundey. However, its common knowledge that Icelands true beauty lies beyond the city limits step outside colorful Reykjavk and youll be greeted by dramatic coastlines, imposing glaciers, intimidating volcanos, striking beaches, and unobstructed views of the Aurora Borealis. Hot tip: for the best bang for your buck, choose a combination tour that also includes a buffet lunch and Northern Lights viewing! Iceland is far from lacking when it comes to noteworthy waterfalls, however, Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss are certainly two of the islands most popular. Icelandic horses are small compared to other horses you may be used to, but they have a distinctive gait style that makes riding them exceptionally smooth. Its a stopping point for just about every tour and can easily be combined with a visit to Skogafoss. The Northeast waterfall is still spectacular as its 30m wide and 12m high. After all, one does not go to Iceland to spend all their time in a hotel room, but, Are you wondering what to pack for Iceland? One for the socialites and the thirsty travelers, a beer tasting or pub crawl around the city presents as the perfect activity to immerse yourself in a different culture and, admittedly, get a little buzzed! A quaint town perched by a lake in the Golden circle, Laugarvatn Fontana has always been a top tourist attraction for one particular reason: its calming hot springs. If you're looking for a slower-paced type of winter activity, snowshoeing might be your thing, walking up mountains in the north or exploring the black-and-white wonderworld of Dimmuborgir lava field. Find ski resorts near Reykjavk, safjrur, Neskaupstaur, Akureyri and elsewhere in the north, with ski lifts and slopes of varying levels, as well as tracks for cross-country skiing. The frosty Icelandic waters are home to a diverse range of krill and fish due to a unique mix of cold and warm currents that intertwine through its narrow fjords. Reykjavik is the main transportation hub of the country, and Keflavik Airport is the perfect place to start your trip. The dormant volcano is accessible only accessible with a guided tour. The lagoon has formed over time from the massive glacier above; as the glacier melts, cool glacier water and icebergs mix with the ocean. Tours also go from Hauganes and Reykjavk. From lafsfjrur jetski tours allow people to experience the vertical cliffs of lafsfjararmli from below. more. Makes the Golden Circle tour a stunning experience - we saw a lot of waterfalls and this one is exceptional. For those that visit January through April, check out the epic ski conditions. Backpacking EUROPE: How Much Will it Cost? Apart from its obvious visual selling point, the area is also home to a range of hiking routes and hot springs, best accessed with a pre-arranged tour. The fascinating Viking World exhibition sheds light on what Norse explorers might have encountered when they ventured into unknown territory centuries ago a must for maritime or history buffs.
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